If you haven’t worked with an interior designer before it can be difficult to know what to expect. However, the benefits it can bring to your refurbishment project will most likely outweigh any reasons not to use one.
The designers goal is to help you improve your premises and offer to your customers in order to increase sales.
A good designer will guide you as to what is realistic and come up with solutions to anything that needs improving. They also will be able to prevent you making expensive mistakes and take over the time costly managing of the design and the build stage.
Communication is the most important thing for a smoothly run project. Making time for design meetings is essential and the designer should update you on progress weekly or more often as the project requires.
Also identifying the person in your company who will sign off designs and make key decisions is vital to avoid confusion and keep the project on track.
A designer will give an idea of how long the design will take to complete and provide a design fee for the scheme based on the agreed method of invoicing. It can be worked into a fixed fee or at a hourly rate that can be capped at a certain level.
At Fruition we work to these basic project stages:
Written Brief
- Any good designer will offer an initial consultation free of charge.
- Tell the designer your aspirations and goals for the refurbishment.
- The designer will advise if your goals are achievable and offer ideas as to how to reach your end goal.
- Bring any existing plans of the building along to the meeting.
Concept Design
- A basic design drawn up plan and 3D to show proposed floor plan, furniture and fittings.
- This design is made to sit the brief and there could be different options to choose from.
Design Development
- This will include plans, internal elevations, scope of works, sample boards of colours and materials.
- Designers will use architects, structural, electrical and drainage engineers to assist where necessary.
Production
- If managing the build they will provide a project programme and project costs using trusted suppliers.
- A package of working drawings is provided by the designer for contractors to follow.
Supply
- The designer will oversee and project manage the build using sub-contractors.
- The designer will regularly update the client on progress
- Snagging is undertaken on finished project before the project is handed over to the client.
Working with a designer you are more likely to meet your budget. A good designer will guide you through the process and their experience will ensure you meet any building regulations, whilst making the new interior match the style of building and also the offer of the company or brand.
For assistance with your next design project contact Fruition here.